It started slowly at first, with only the bustling of students filling the air as they manned their stalls, gathered supplies for their respective classes or took part in the other activities designed by their fellow students and peers. However, as time passed by, more and more people joined the festivities; families and friends who had been invited, government officials invited by Chairman Cross himself and even important vampire delegates soon arrived to partake in the event. Soon enough, the academy rang with the echoes of the festival in full swing.
"Fresh chocolate bananas right here!" Called out a female student toward passers-by.
"Home-made waffles here!" Cried another male student.
"Takoyaki! Get your Takoyaki! Get 'em while they're hot!" Came another.
Food and drink stalls dominated the outer grounds of the academy, while inside it were more sophisticated shops. There were classes who had decided to sell homemade crafts such as wool mittens, dolls and cloths. Others remained within the Food and Beverage category, changing their classes into elaborately designed Maid Cafés or tea rooms. One even had a student barrista manning the counter. Other activities included haunted houses, game stalls and the showcasing of the different clubs' activities.
However, one could instantly tell that the more popular destination was the Moon dorm, which had slowly transformed into a vampire culture museum for the day. The grounds outside the moon dorm were decorated with model bats, while the vampire students themselves served as stewards and receptionists. The gardens outside appeared to be reserved for the Noble ranked students, whom demonstrated aspects of their powers for the visitors through myriad arts and crafts, wowing any who spotted them. Within the dorm itself, the Night class students exhibited aspects of vampire lifestyle, along with a general touring of their accommodations, which even the Day class students were interested in. Regarding security, Cassandra had volunteered to oversee until her stage performance.
All in all, it seemed to be going well. Chairman Cross smiled as he observed everything from his office that had also been temporarily turned into the main security hub.
"Unit 2, anything out of the ordinary?" Kidomaru asked over the comm.
"No sir." Came the reply. "No sign of this Rodin fellow either."
"Keep alert." Kidomaru said. "Let me know if the situation changes." As soon as he cut the line, he took a drink of water before turning to Ford and the Chairman. "You know, I believe the chances of this Rodin fellow showing up is almost non-existent. I cannot fathom why it is that we believe he would enter a hornet's nest such as this."
"Regardless, Helsing has proven itself to be extreme in its methods and creed." The Chairman said. "We cannot turn a blind eye to this any longer. With them around, there is now risk toward our students. Big activities like this will always strike the eyes of terrorists."
"At any rate…" Chairman Cross smiled toward the staff within the room. "Should any of you decide to grace the students and their activities, do ensure that at least someone fills in. You are free to do whatever you want during your break hours though."
"Really?" Kidomaru frowned. "You think that will be a good idea?"
"I'm sure some of the students have made activities with you in mind." The Chairman nodded. "Besides, what sort of school festival would it be when the teachers can't be a part of it?"
Anju walked around the school, eyeing the stalls that had been put up. She allowed herself a smile as soon as she saw the many students and guests who had arrived. She was also thankful that all the hard work the committee had put in finally paid off. As of now, she was meant to watch out for any problems that could appear. Already she had to settle issues regarding a lack of equipment and those who were lost on school grounds. It seemed that for now the vampires present were behaving themselves.
"Man, everyone really gave their all for this." Misaki commented as she ate her candy floss. "I never knew how talented some of the students were with regards to food."
"People have all sorts of skills." Anju nodded. "One merely needs to know where to look. Anyways, where should we head to next?"
"Uh, you do know that as prefects we need to be on patrol right?" Misaki sniggered.
"Yeah, like you're one to talk." Anju retorted. "You only chose the route that would lead you past all your favourite food stalls." As she said this, Anju suddenly spotted a strange sight. A mountain of home-made cakes, pastries, candy floss and confectionaries was walking toward them. To be more accurate, it was moving toward them, carried by a pair of slender hands.
"Emi?" Anju frowned as soon as she was close enough. Hearing her name, the female vampire's head now poked out from behind the mountain of sweet foods.
"Oh hi!" Emi smiled, taking great care to not spill the massive food mountain that already attracted stares from plenty of people. "How are you guys doing?"
"Fine I guess…" Anju smiled before once more turning to the main issue. "So um, what is that?" She asked, gesturing to the food.
"Oh!" Emi smiled as her eyes darted toward the food tray. "Well, I was just going around to make sure the Night class students and the vampire guests didn't get too frisky out here. But then I saw all the stuff the Day students made and I just couldn't resist! I had to get one of everything!"
"Yeah, I noticed." Misaki blinked, amazed once more at the lengths Emi would take just for sweets.
"Well, I have to go now!" Emi said. "I have a small exhibition back at the dorm and I have already spent too much time here. Catch you later at the big concert!" Emi now walked away, still maintaining her balance of the massive pile of food.
"I think you and her were on the same line of thought." Anju remarked.
"Seems like it." Misaki nodded. "Well, since we are already doing it, want to patrol near your favourite places?"
"We could get into a lot of trouble for it…" Anju frowned. "I know some people who would definitely give us an earful."
"Relax! It's a festival!" Misaki smiled. "We ought to have fun when we can! Besides, what they don't know won't kill us, right?"
This is a bad idea. Anju thought as she went along with Misaki. As the two prefects cleared out, a man in a hoodie watched them while slurping down some freshly squeezed fruit juice.
The Moon dorm itself was a stark contrast to the festivities outside. A silent atmosphere was maintained within the halls save for the voices of the tour guides. Over the last few weeks of preparation, the entire place had been transformed into a Vampire culture museum meant to help all understand the current vampire civilisation that now existed.
The rooms on the ground and first floor had been extensively prepared for the purpose of receiving an increased number of guests. The usual sofas and tables were moved away for the moment, the place now temporarily dedicated to the exhibits prepared, detailing stories of vampires from different countries and the facts that either contradicted or supported them.
Still, it was quite obvious that the gardens was where most people tended to gather. Besides the fact that it was a rest spot where refreshments of fresh coffee, tea and home-made foods were available, the vampires possessing certain powers also performed before them, wowing the human visitors.
"And there you go." A vampire with rose coloured hair smiled as she offered a small flower sapling to a young girl, who accepted it happily before running back to her family.
"My Florentia." Cassandra remarked. "I didn't know you were such a green thumb."
"Technically I find it closer to cheating." The vampire named Florentia replied. "Besides, if I want the plant to grow, I still need what it requires to grow. That's why I haven't been able to get rid of deforestation yet."
Cassandra chuckled. "Such a sharp wit. But I'm sure one day you'll figure it out." Leaving her to entertain other guests, Cassandra headed back inside, observing a new tour group that had just come in. It was necessary for her to keep an eye on things that were occurring here and now as the current vampire student head to ensure everything went smoothly. Of course, she wasn't alone.
"The first floor is fine, nothing out of the ordinary." Henry reported through the earpiece.
"Got it." Cassandra nodded. "Gabriella? How is everything on your end?"
"Nothing special." Gabriella replied. "The bats haven't seen anything weird yet. Ganju and Shinji also haven't reported anything strange near the Moon dorm grounds. Anyways, you might want to know that the main security of the event are apparently Hunter Association Death Dealers."
Cassandra frowned upon hearing this report. "Spying again Gabriella? You ought to not indulge in that activity."
"I prefer the term well-informed." Gabriella retorted. "Anyways, an overview of the academy grounds hasn't yielded anything suspicious either. For now, I'll keep the surveillance up and report accordingly."
"Very well. Keep it up." Cassandra said as she returned to her duties. Already the recently arrived group had left, leaving her alone with the remaining vampire staff in the room. Then, the doors opened once more, and all turned their attention to whoever had arrived.
"Welcome to the Moon dorm." Greeted the student at the door. "The next tour will commence in ten minutes time. We humbly ask- Lord Akira!?" The mere mention of the name caused everyone to stop and look toward the door. There without a doubt, was Akira Kuran himself.
"Hello everyone." He greeted with a smile. Surprise filled everyone for a split second before they bowed before him save for Cassandra.
"Welcome back Lord Akira." The students greeted.
"Arise." Akira nodded. "I am only coming here that I will have to leave again. I do not wish to disrupt the festivities, so please carry on as you were. Pay me no mind."
At once, the vampires resumed their duties. However, Cassandra walked up as Akira entered the converted lounge area, marvelling at his new robe. "That's quite a change. I wonder, are you here on official business?"
"When you are in the position I am in, you will soon enough find yourself swamped with work." Akira nodded. "Already I dread the amount I will have to face when I finally succeed mother."
"Where did all your confidence go?" Cassandra snickered. "The vampires won't take too keenly about a ruler such as yourself if he gets put off by paperwork alone."
"I will cross that bridge when I get there." Akira chuckled in response. "It seems you have done well Cassandra. I daresay that converting the dorm into a museum was quite an inspired idea. It must have been a lot of work though."
"Not really…" Cassandra said as she led him further inside. "Everyone was quite excited about it. We all thought of how to do it together and what to present. I just hope everyone likes it." Just then, a group that had finished their own tour had now come down the stairs. Akira now spotted young children among them who were now smiling and eagerly chatting to their parents about what they had seen.
"It appears they do." Akira smiled before he spotted a few Day class girls. Immediately after seeing him, their faces lit up before coming forward.
"Senior Akira!" They squealed with delight as they approached him, but stopped the minute he placed a finger to his lips.
"Hush now. While it is good to see you all again, I believe silence should be observed while you are here?" Instantly, the girls quieted down, though still attempted to as for his signature on their pamphlets.
"As popular as ever." Cassandra stated as the group left. "Will you be staying for the whole event?"
"Such is the nature of my duties." Akira said. "Why? Is there something I should look forward to?"
"Well… You have seen the big stage yes?" Cassandra replied. "See, there will be a couple of performances on it later… and I intend to sing there…"
"Oh?" Akira raised an eyebrow. "That sounds interesting. I worry that classical music would bore some of the students though."
"Well, it isn't just classical." Cassandra replied. "I have some other ideas in the mix…"
Akira smiled. "So it seems everything is going well for you after all. I'm glad."
Cassandra now pouted. "I knew it. You were just giving me a rain check."
"I put you up to this." Akira said. "Might as well take some responsibility for it."
"Well quit it." Cassandra said. "Things have been going smoothly here."
"Good to know." Akira chuckled. "Well then, I'd better take my leave. The next bunch of students coming in would likely get too distracted with me here. Do take care Cassandra, and all the best."
Cassandra watched as he left, passing the stares of many bewildered Day class students who were entering, especially that of Anju Cross and her classmates. She allowed herself a small smile as she whispered under her breath. "I will. And thank you, for all of this, and a second chance."
He finished the juice down, relishing the sweet taste that fell on his tongue. He breathed a sigh of relief as once more his body was refreshed.
"Now that hit the spot!" He smiled as he disposed of the cup in a nearby bin.
"Hello?" Came the voice in his ear. "Rodin the numbskull shit, do you read me?"
"Must you insult me all the time?" Complained a disguised Rodin. "And keep the voice down! Maybe the students can't hear you, but the whole place is like a fortress with all the guards about. If even one of those Knights or Hunters hear you that makes your disguise pretty damn pointless."
"If that happens, have fun." Serenity said from the earpiece. "I'll just sit back and enjoy watching you become a wanted fugitive for the rest of your life."
"I'm already marked for death, remember? I don't want to be imprisoned on top of that…" Rodin sighed as the previous feeling of refreshment disappeared. He tugged down at the hoodie that Serenity got for him, though it didn't hide much of his spiky hair. Thankfully, he was also given some shades that helped to hide his face along with a fake goatee. As for the rest of his clothes, they had been reluctantly swapped out. He had tried to convince Serenity to take along at least the tailcoat, but the death glare she gave him was answer enough.
"Well anyhow…" Rodin breathed as he looked all around at the gathered students. "Have you seen anything yet?"
"Nope." Serenity replied. "I haven't gotten any signatures matching yours, but I'm pretty sure they are around. If something happens, I'll let you know about it."
"Well, until they are used, it is impossible to track them." Rodin nodded. "For now, monitor the communications between the Hunters and the Knights. Let's keep watch on that girl named Anju Cross. If anything happens to her, let me know instantly."
"To think I would turn out to become a stalker with you." Serenity said. "This is a total new low. Like, lower than the shittiest shit low. You have now corrupted the heart of an innocent maiden. Well done douchebag."
Can't tell if you really are that innocent… Rodin mulled to himself as he heard her last comment. As he began to walk toward a Takoyaki stand, suddenly he felt an ache in his right arm, forcing him to clamp down on it.
"Hey, your blood pressure just jumped. What the hell is going on there?" Serenity asked hurriedly. Rodin didn't answer as he gripped his arm tighter, the ache beginning to grow worse. After a few minutes, he eased up, the pain starting to subside. In his ear, he heard Serenity sigh. "Seriously, you need to feed. This many vampires around you is making it go ape-shit. You better pull out now before you fuck this whole thing over."
"You know why I can't." Rodin gasped as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "And don't worry about me. I'll keep it under control."
"Man, you are a fucking stubborn ass…" Serenity said in exasperation.
"Yeah." Rodin nodded. "I get that a lot."
For the remainder of the day, the festival went on without incident. Students one by one went about the many activities that were being displayed; scaring themselves in haunted houses, splurging on food, arts and crafts stalls along with a visit to the Moon dorm. In a bold move, Anju's class had actually designed a human-vampire meet-and-greet café that was right now one of the more popular places in the main building. As she was currently on break, Anju took it upon herself to visit, finding herself surprised to see the room packed.
"Wow…" Anju blinked as she stepped into the room filled with mingling vampires and humans who eagerly chatted with each other and even shared the current activities they had engaged in throughout the day.
"Yeah. Pretty rad huh?" Came a voice behind her. Anju turned, frowning as soon as she saw her friend Hibiki. "Um Hibiki, what is that?"
"This?" Hibiki asked as she gestured to the maid outfit she was wearing. "A lot of people thought it would look great if we also had a maid theme, so they asked me to do it. It's not bad. I look cuter in this, right?"
"Well if you are happy, then I guess its fine." Anju replied, though still thinking it was weird for someone like her to be in a maid uniform. "Anyways, I was hoping to get a table and a drink. Prefect work leaves one extremely thirsty after all."
"Coming right up." Hibiki nodded. "This way." As Hibiki led her friend to another table, she turned around and asked. "Where is Misaki?"
"Probably still hanging out at the Moon dorm." Anju said.
Moon Dorm
Misaki sipped more tea as she observed the conversation by the two people before her. It started out as a simple get-together with Emi during her free time from the Moon dorm museum. However, the two of them were suddenly spotted by an unexpected individual, who then proceeded to sit with them for a chat. Misaki was quite surprised to find out her mother had actually filled in for security during the event, though she wasn't surprised to hear that her mother was also meant to help keep the Hunter teams in line.
"I can imagine it to be difficult Ms. Shiba." Emi remarked. "Even among the Night class we have quite a few troublesome individuals if I say so myself."
Misaki now saw from the corner of her eye a few other vampires turn toward Emi, their gazes narrowed at her comment. She gulped as she knew what they were thinking: Like you're one to talk.
"Well, quite a few possess a level head." Yumika nodded. "Especially the younger ones. Some are so hot-headed that they barely stand having vampires next to them, while others brood over every single thing that socialising is practically impossible."
"Sounds like someone I know." Misaki said, the thought of Ichigo now coming to mind.
"Well, at least there will be so such things here." Yumika replied. "I've made sure of that. So for now, why don't we talk about other things? How has school been Misaki?"
"Other than the many attacks the academy has seen over the last few months? Rather normal." Misaki deadpanned.
"Still a smart mouth huh?" Yumika frowned. "Well, I do suppose you have spoken true. Tensions between vampires and humans are on a totally different level than before, with some megalomaniac vampire and terrorist Hunters. And just when you think the world couldn't get crazier…"
"Well, I suppose that's why the chairman thought of this festival." Emi said. "Perhaps he wanted to show that humans and vampires are still capable of brokering peace with each other, as long as we are willing to accept each other for who they are." She now reached for the last macaron in the diminished pile of foods she had acquired from the stalls at the main building. "You know, I just saw some vampire students fawning over these macarons from Class 1C. One of them even wanted to know the recipe."
Yumika and Misaki now smiled, knowing that at least, the festival had succeeded in some small part. However, the main thing was going to commence within the hour, one where the whole student body would soon be present for.
"Well, I should head back." Misaki said. "The stage performance is going to need extra hands for security and ushering."
"Me too." Emi smiled as she finished the macaron and stood up. "Cassandra has something big for everyone tonight, and I'm going to make sure she gets it!"
Yumika watched as the two girls left quickly to attend to their duties. Look at that. They both know exactly the way they wish to move forward. Smiling, she too stood up, finishing her drink. Well then, I suppose it's time I went back to my job of supporting them. Hopefully, that future can remain bright.
Akira hummed to himself as he walked through the academy halls, ignoring the whispers and hushed stares of the day students around him. He was certain that he would be reprimanded for this. After all, he was meant to be providing security, not indulging in the festivities. He was sure Ichigo would also scold him for this. However, in the pamphlet describing the different activities, a certain class had caught his eye. Thus, he decided he ought to at least see this one.
As he did however, a feeling of unease fluttered in his chest. Thinking back to when he met Anju again after so long, the initial moment when he found her meandering around town, it had done something to him. Normally, he wouldn't have thought of it any other way, but it was difficult trying to forget what his grandmother said to him right before she vanished.
She's a keeper Akira. Those were Yuki Kuran's final words. Akira knew what those words meant, but was having a hard time trying to figure things out. Truthfully, it took him a while that day back in town to calm down and approach her nonchalantly. In truth though, he had almost lost it when she hugged him; taking every ounce of willpower he had to stay calm. He could still remember the soft touch of her skin when he hugged back. Akira also remembered the sensation that crept into his throat the minute his took a whiff of her; the dry sensation of wanting to feed, while a sweet scent entered his own nostrils; the smell of her blood.
He pushed these thoughts out of his head as he approached the classroom. For now, he had to keep these feelings suppressed. It was not right, at least not at the moment.
"Welco- Senior Akira?" Hibiki Kohaku greeted in her maid uniform.
"Hello Ms. Kohaku." Akira smiled. "I heard that this was designated as a human-vampire café. May I ask for a table?"
"Wait just a moment." Hibiki said as she went back to the waiting students, whispering to them in hushed tones. A few seconds later, she returned to Akira. "Are you alright with sharing a table?"
"That will be fine." Akira nodded.
"And would you like us to take your coat?" Hibiki asked.
"If you would be so kind." Akira nodded as he removed his Knight's cloak, handing it to the human girl.
"Now then, some ground rules." Hibiki said sternly. "Whilst you enjoy your time here, remember that you are prohibited from any non-consented contact with human students. Should you feel a thirst for blood, please contact one of our waiters who will immediately provide you with a blood tablet drink. Finally, please understand that both workers and guests are obligated to a safe environment in this café. Failure to follow these rules will result in expulsion from this place." At this, Hibiki now gestured to the floor. Akira followed her gaze to see a large symbol etched into the floor, similar to the one branded upon Ichigo's neck.
"Hmm, Ms. Shiba went through a lot of work to get this done." Akira remarked as the symbol glowed, and then the mark appeared on his palm. "I suppose this activates under a specific trigger."
"I guess even you realise that we won't have a problem carrying you out." Hibiki nodded. "Then again, if it is you, I doubt we need to worry so much."
"Glad to see you have faith in me." Akira smiled. "Now, where will I be sitting?"
"This way." Hibiki gestured. Akira thus followed her toward a corner of the room near the window.
Once he saw the table, he froze in place. The same reaction was seen in the person who was seated on the table, though her eyes bugged out even more and her mouth fell open.
"Well then, Senior Akira, Ann, enjoy." Hibiki said before walking away.
Anju and Akira stared at each other for a long time, unsure of what to say.
"Uh, nice to see you…" Akira said.
"Yeah… So, how have you been?" Anju said awkwardly.
"I've been well…" Akira answered as he sipped his tea. "Over the last few hours…"
The two of them barely made eye contact with each other, worried that they might slip up over something.
"Uh, sorry. I don't really know what to say." Anju stated.
"I hear you've helped Cassandra out a lot in my absence." Akira said.
"Oh, yeah." Anju smiled. "Seriously though, she has made impressive strides. She's going to be singing later you know? I want to see what she is going to do. She seemed really excited for it. Plus, there are also tons of other performances. The local martial arts clubs are going to be doing a collective performance, so it'd be great to see that."
"I'm sure." Akira nodded. "How has school been?"
"On and off." Anju answered. "Prefect work hasn't been so tough, considering my own physical changes and the Night class itself. I mean, some time ago I had someone refer to me as Yuki Kuran's vessel."
"I must imagine her time with you has had quite lasting effects." Akira said. "Both physically and socially."
"Well, it wasn't that massive a change." Anju giggled. "I still feel normal."
"That's good to hear." Akira nodded. "You are fine the way you are."
Anju's face now went red at his comment. "O-Oh… Uh, thank you for the compliment…"
Akira now realised how leading that statement was. Truly, he wouldn't have paid this any mind long ago, but the events over the last school year have made it clear that he thought of her as someone special to him. He recalled Ichigo's own words the day he asked him to protect the Day class, that in reality he only did it for Anju's sake. He then recalled the first dance they had, one that ended with him almost sucking her blood. When she was then apprehended by the Kraven clan, and then what his grandmother himself had told him. He began to wonder if that sentence was a form of encouragement.
"Well, at any rate, based on the itinerary the stage will be opening soon." Akira said. "Why don't we just order some tea and then head right over?"
"Y-yeah…" Anju nodded. "We really shouldn't be late." She looked out the window as Akira called a waiter over, still grappling with the fluttering in her chest.
Ichigo watched as some stalls began to close up, indicating either that they had sold out or that they were now preparing themselves for the final performances of the day at the massive outdoor stage. He kept to the shadows, the darkening sky doing well to keep him hidden. After all, it wouldn't do well for the students, especially the vampire ones, to find out that the security comprised of those who were trained solely for killing vampires.
"Nothing unusual so far." Came the voice of his partner. "So, want to get going?"
"Sure." Ichigo nodded. "The students are all headed to that stage anyways. Only a few may not be going, but I suppose the other teams on patrol can handle that."
"Man, they really went all out for this." He said. "Speaking of which though, why is it that they didn't do a beauty pageant? I was sure it'd be a hit."
"It's too one-sided." Ichigo answered. "No matter what, the vampire girls will likely suck up all the votes."
"Why not separate them? Humans vote for humans, vamps vote for vamps?" He queried.
"That'd be the polar opposite of the festival's goals." Ichigo explained. "It'd end up separating the students. As much of an idiot that Chairman is, that is the one thing he would avoid."
"I see." His partner nodded. "Well then, time for us to go."
Ichigo now prepared to leave. However, he hesitated as soon as he registered the sensation again. He wasn't sure why, but there was a feeling of anxiety and wariness creeping over him. He didn't know how to describe it, except that it felt faintly familiar to the time his family was attacked by vampires; the sensation of almost being devoured. His hands reached for the walkie-talkie he kept on him, wondering if he should report this.
"Hey Kitsuke, let's go already." His partner called.
"Be right there." Ichigo replied, deciding to leave it for now.
Author's Note:
Soooo sorry for the late upload. The past few weeks has been filled with prepping my return home after 4 years of overseas study. Also, issues such as writer's block and having to write another fanfic in the process made it difficult to get this out.
For now, I hope you will wait for the next one. The part I'm excited for is coming up.
Jdbl00d